For many, college is the next step that will allow them to secure their desired career and start building their lives. But before they can start making their vision a reality, they have to get into top colleges. Dealing with all the steps involved in finding and moving through the admissions process can take its toll. The good news? You’re never alone, and there are plenty of resources out there to provide you with the support you need. Here are three ways to manage the stress of college applications that will make working toward your future more enjoyable.
Reach out to a college admissions counselor for guidance.
You’re not the first person to feel overwhelmed by trying to get into your favorite college. This means that there are plenty of people out there willing to guide you through the admissions process so that you know what to do to impress the colleges on your list. Reach out to a college admissions company for college application help. With their support, you can polish your college essay, find internships for a startup that will give you some hands-on experience, and even help you better understand financial aid so that you can afford your top choices. No matter where you need guidance, a college counselor with years of experience is sure to help.
Get support from another type of counselor.
Stress is a healthy and necessary reaction that you experience daily. However, chronic stress can cause both mental and physical symptoms, impacting your overall health and leading to mental health disorders like major depression or anxiety disorders. College is important, but your mental health always takes precedence. Fortunately, you don’t have to look far to get the help you need. If you’re a high school senior transitioning into adulthood, you can get the support you need from the comfort of your own home. Virtual intensive outpatient therapy (IOP therapy) will allow you to better understand your mental health issues and come up with a treatment plan that allows you to successfully cope with them.
Whether you’re a young adult dealing with depression, substance abuse, or eating disorders, getting the help you need from an IOP program will make it so that the triggers you’re dealing with are more manageable. Once you learn how to manage your stress, you will be much better suited to navigating the admissions process and your college life!
Make sure that you have a plan and that you stick to it.
Time management and planning are two of the most important skills you will need in college. The college admissions process is an excellent way to test these skills as you try to juggle these activities alongside your high school academics. Take the time to create a plan of action, set deadlines for all the things you need to do, and figure out how to avoid procrastination so that you’re not handing in essays or forms last minute. Things can certainly be overwhelming at times, but planning for your college applications way in advance will give you ample time to chip away at them rather than trying to take them on all at once.
Anyone who has gone to college knows how extensive the application process can be. However, you don’t have to let the stress of this process get to you. Instead, leverage the three tips above to make applying to your favorite colleges less impactful on your mental health. With the right support system of professionals and family members, you can make sure you have all the help you need to get through this final year with ease.